- Date & Time: Wednesday, April 24 – at 20:00 BST
- Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool
- Teams: Everton vs Liverpool
Looking to wager on the Merseyside Derby?
Check out our top list of Premier League online betting sites ahead of making your picks!
Merseyside derby carries huge significance at both ends of the Premier League!
An eagerly anticipated Merseyside derby awaits at Goodison Park this Wednesday, with Everton and Liverpool set to renew their fierce rivalry in a match with significant consequences for both ends of the Premier League table.
Liverpool enter the fixture on the back of a comfortable 3-1 victory over Fulham last Sunday as they look to stay in the title race while Everton secured a crucial 2-0 win against fellow relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest.
Everton
Everton emerged victorious in a crucial clash against Nottingham Forest, securing a vital win ahead of their upcoming encounter with Liverpool. Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil each scored similar goals that rattled the inside of the post, earning Everton three crucial points in what was dubbed the ‘points deduction derby’ against Nottingham Forest. However, it was Forest’s post-match accusations that grabbed headlines, as they accused VAR official Stuart Attwell of bias due to his alleged connections with Luton Town. Forest claimed they had warned the PGMOL about Attwell’s affiliations before the match, citing three strong penalty appeals that went unanswered during the game at Goodison Park.
Despite Forest’s protests, Everton quietly celebrated their victory, which lifted them five points clear of the relegation zone, positioning them in 16th place. While Everton’s Premier League status remains uncertain, they have the advantage of a game in hand over Forest, Luton, and Burnley. Additionally, Everton’s strong home form has been a saving grace, as they have lost just one of their last six matches at Goodison Park. Notably, Everton’s penchant for securing wins with clean sheets at home has been evident, with their last 11 Premier League victories on home turf coming with shutouts.
However, Everton’s vulnerability when conceding at Goodison Park is a concern, as they have failed to win any of their last 22 top-flight matches when letting in a goal, suffering defeat in 17 of those instances.
Beto, who suffered a head injury against Forest will definately be unavailable against Liverpool. Lewis Dobbin (ankle), Dele Alli (groin) and Nathan Patterson, (groin) are all out. Seamus Coleman is doubtful but Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, both of whom ended up starting against Forest despite injury concerns are likely to be fit.
Liverpool
Liverpool have suffered a mini slump at arguably the worst point in the season, however, have shown signs that they are getting back on track ahead of their trip to Goodison. They managed to get a narrow win over Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-final in Bergamo but the damage had already been done with a disappointing 3-0 loss at Anfield and Jurgen Klopp’s side crashed out. However, they swiftly bounced back in the Premier League, facing a tough challenge against Fulham. While the Cottagers initially posed a threat, Liverpool emerged victorious with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota, securing their first away win since March and climbing to second place in the league standings.
Although Manchester City hold a game in hand, Liverpool’s recent performance has reignited hopes of contending for the title. Their clinical display against Fulham showcased their attacking prowess. This victory served as a welcome relief for Liverpool fans, who had witnessed wasteful performances in previous games.
In the midst of Liverpool’s success, their Merseyside rivals Everton have struggled, particularly in their encounters with Liverpool. The Toffees’ frustration reached a peak in their recent defeat, compounded by contentious refereeing decisions. This defeat adds to Everton’s recent woes, as they have failed to score in their last four matches against Liverpool.
Joel Matip (knee), Ben Doak (knee), Thiago Alcantara (muscle) and Conor Bradley (ankle), are all unavailable for Liverpool, as the Anfield injury crisis continues. Stefan Bajcetic is doubtful with a calf problem after missing the Fulham match. Mohamed Salah was on the bench at Craven Cottage, however, he is likely to return to the starting line-up against the Toffees.
Everton vs Liverpool: Odds
Live odds for the match are as follows:
Goodison Park, Liverpool
Prediction
As ever the derby will be keenly contested and, to coin a cliche, the form book could go out of the window. However, Liverpool have greater quality and have a great recent record against Everton. We are tipping them to come away from Goodison Park with the three points. Away win.
Tip: Liverpool to win, BTTS.
